St Francois Longchamp

Looking to ski in St Francois Longchamp? Still largely undiscovered by British skiers, Saint Francois has plenty to offer families, offering great skiing and affordable prices.

Why St Francois Longchamp Ski Resort?

Great value

Easy access - the first resort you come to in the Maurienne Valley

Friendly down-to-earth resort

St Francois Resort Information

Although largely undiscovered by British skiers, but Saint-François has plenty to appeal to families, who will appreciate its reassuring pistes, down-to-earth pricing, and easy road access.

Once you’re there, the architecture is mostly purpose-built, with the emphasis more on modern practicality than traditional authenticity. But things are improving and in winter it sits well enough within the bigger picture of a hauntingly beautiful bowl below the 2000m Col de la Madeleine, a famous ascent in the Tour de France.

The resort has surprisingly beautiful surroundings and outstanding scenery, with, among others, a view of Mont Blanc across to the EcrinsMassif.

Accommodation is spread between three relatively compact areas, the lowest of which (St François 1450) is connected by draglift to the gentle lower section of a blue-graded piste into Le Hameau de St François. The latter is a purpose-built apartment development which has a selection of essential services, plus convenient access to the pistes via a six-seater chairlift and a draglift, either of which will connect you via easy return pistes to the main villages of the 4 Vallées, Plan Mollaret and Longchamp 1650. Here the accommodation is spread around two modern chairlifts, with a pair of draglifts providing access to gentle cruising over to Le Hameau and St François 1450.

For entertainment and services life mostly revolves around the 1650 sector, which in addition to the ESF ski-school, bars and restaurants, also offers a good choice of equipment, food and local produce outlets plus child-care (age-groups from three months to 12 years), cash-point, post office and more. The range of mountain activities includes cross-country skiing, parapenting, snowshoeing and dogsledding, while the Forum des Eaux aqua/fitness centre offers a range of relaxation and wellbeing facilities and treatments.

Access-wise, the A43 Autoroute from Chambéry and Albertville is just 12km away, as is the TGV train station, for high-speed rail services from Paris (with scheduled bus transfers).

Peak Retreats features apartments, hotels and chalets in St Francois Longchamp. This wide selection of accommodation has been hand-picked in order to provide an ideal base for a St Francois Longchamp ski holiday.

St Francois Longchamp

St Francois Longchamp Skiing

As well as being near neighbours, Saint-François-Longchamp and Valmorel fit together very neatly, and between them manage to offer sufficiently varied terrain to appeal to most levels of skier. The altitudes on offer (1300-2550m) might not be the highest, but the geographical location attracts dependable snowfalls, and some 315 snow-cannon help maintain snow quality on key runs.

The Soleil Rouge chair now accesses the area between the Lune Bleue lift and Marquis, taking you to more than 2300 metres, with a blue run and a red run.

A Grand Domaine lift-pass allows you to cross into the Valmorel sector (in the Massif de la Tarentaise) and expand your options dramatically. The combined area adds up to a respectable 165km of pistes, spread across 3600 hectares.

St Francois Longchamp only

65km of pistes, 16 lifts, 34 slopes:

Green slopes: 10Blue slopes: 13Red slopes: 8Black slopes: 3

140 snow cannons on 10 pistes over 9km

ST FRANCOIS LONGCHAMP BEGINNERS

Of the two destinations, Saint-François possesses much the higher proportion of gentle pistes, making this the logical choice for young families and first-timers (and it’s worth noting, too, that Saint-François is an established HandiSki centre for skiers with a disability). With this in mind, it’s been well thought-out; take whatever lift you like and you’ll be able to cruise gently right back down on wide, green-graded pistes, or in the case of St François 1450, the gentlest of blue runs. Some of them are quite long, too, which not only allows time to enjoy the dazzling scenery, but also helps build both confidence and fitness.

ST FRANCOIS LONGCHAMP INTERMEDIATES

There are also wide, blue-graded cruisers on the St Francois Longchamp side. Valmorel’s own terrain is mostly blue-graded(although there are many green and red pistes too).

ST FRANCOIS LONGCHAMP EXPERTS

There are some not-too-demanding red runs plus three black pistes – all of them on the Saint-François side of the mountain. There’s worthwhile off-piste to explore and a handful of black-graded pistes includes some highly-rated runs with dependable snow-quality in Valmorel.

And in addition to Le Grand Domaine’s downhill terrain there are seven snowparks, some 50km of groomed routes for cross-country skiers and walkers, plus opportunities to experience the adrenalin surge of speedriding.

St Francois Ski Hire (Pre-bookable)

Please note, these Pound Sterling prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Special offers: *7 days for the price of 6. Free Skis/snowboard & boots (Blue/Red) for party leaders of groups of 10 or more all taking equipment. 1 Free helmet per child aged 6 and under for every adult booking skis or snowboards & boots (must be under same booking reference and requested onformabove). Other duration prices on request - Cross Country ski prices on request.

St Francois Ski School (Pre-bookable)

Please note, these Pound Sterling prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Ski School: Please note that lesson times are subject to change right until the last minute. Outside French school holidays the ski school reserves the right to cancel group lessons should numbers be insufficient. For peak periods (24/12-7/1, 11/2-11/3 & 31/3-24/4) we strongly recommend that you book as early as possible and in any case at least 6 weeks prior to the required dates. Morning lessons tend to get booked up first and therefore we may only be able to offer afternoon classes within 6 weeks of departure. In some resorts English speaking instructors may not always be available, particularly at peak times.

We cannot always guarantee that prices will be cheaper than inresort. When ski packs prices are calculated, the currency is bought at the exchange rates that apply at the time. You can be assured that once you have booked your extras, if the pound depreciates, you will not be charged more for your ski packs, enabling you to budget for your holiday in advance.

St Francois Individual Tuition (2017/18 prices, NOT pre-bookable)

Individual tuitions can only be purchased directly from the ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these. Prices per instructor, not per person.

St Francois Longchamp Ski Activities

St Francois Longchamp Cross country skiing

For cross country skiing, head up to the Grand Coin Nordic area (situated 12km from Saint-François Longchamp). Access is via the charming village of Montaimont (you must continue past the centre of the village up to the Bonvillard parking which is found at the end of the road). There are 40km of marked trails which pass through pine tree forests and snow covered meadows, gently heading up to the Col du Chaussy.

St Francois Longchamp Child Care

The "Maison des Enfants" gathers all children clubs (Lutins - 3 months to 3 years, Marmottes - 3 to 6 years, and Cabris - 6 to 12 years) and is located near the Tourism Office and near the principal ski lessons meeting place "Lauzière".

La Maison des EnfantsChildren can play and relax through activities and various games. Fun and games for your youngsters and rest and relaxation for mums.Located at the Tourism Office with entrance at the uphill side and just near the main ski meeting place (Lauzière).800 m2 on two levels, adapted and colored rooms with large interior games. Children may play and relax through well adapted games and various activities.La"Maison des Enfants" is certified by state governing bodies. (Direction de la vie sociale et DDJS)

St Francois Longchamp Spa & Wellness Center

St Francois Longchamp Bar Bowling

Area "Plan Mollaret" Balneotherapy Center invites you to its bowling bar to relax. It is a warm and friendly place to entertain. In case of inclement weather, the Bowling Bar may open earlier in the day. Open everydays from 14.00 to 01.00 hour.

Please note:All the above information is for information only. For the most up-to-date information please visit the resort tourist office website. All prices for activities are in local currency (€ Euros) and are bookable and payable locally in resort

Snack / Pizzeria Plan Mollaret. Take away, they offer our burgers at noon, and American pizzas. For evening, remember to book your pizza by phone, you can then pick them up or they order them by delivery (free from 20 € of purchase).Open daily from 11:30am to 10pm

LA BRASSERIE MONTAGNELocated at 1650m

Lunch: Special ski! Sun terrace close to the slopes at 1650m. In front of snow garden and chair lift of La Lune Bleue ...10 meals under 15 minutes / less than 10 €.The evening version cocoon, panoramic veranda, sunset on the slopes and beautiful card.More information at 04 79 59 11 02

LA GODILLELocated at 1650m

Located on the slopes, the restaurant "La Godille" accompanies you throughout your days. Breakfasts. Lunch: self service, dish of the day, pizzas, paninis, fries ... Evening: Savoyard specialities, pizzeria, grill.Enjoy at any time the sun terrace and solarium accessible on skis. Hot drinks, draft beer and pancakes, not to mention meals and takeaway pizza.

LA GRANGEArea "Plan Mollaret"

In the shopping mall of the residence "Les 4 Vallées", the Bar Restaurant "La Grange" welcomes you in a mountain setting with the charm of erstwhile, its fireplace, sun terrace facing south. Cooking of the old tradition, with dishes and menus Savoyards.Access on skis by the chair lift Mollaret. Snacks for lunch. Pancake house in the afternoon. Pizzas and takeaway.

LA LOUCHE PERCEEArea "Plan Mollaret"

Warm and typically Savoyard atmosphere.

Wine tasting every Tuesday from 5pm to 6pm.Open daily from 10am to midnight.Discover local specialities, especially various fondues, raclette ramp with his cheese cauldron, Charolais entrecote (approx 300g) but also a fine selection of wines of Savoy and elsewhere at reasonable prices. Bottles or a glass of wine, also offer tastings every Tuesday from 5pm to 6pm. The afternoon of bad weather, warm yourself around a game of chess or card (belotte, tarot, ...)

LE GALTALocated at 1650m

To eat in or on the terrace for lunch and dinner with our Savoyard specialities: fondue, raclette, tartiflette ... hot sandwiches, meats XL, our homemade burgers on or off the premises, prime rib for two, the famous Savoyard stew, farcement of Savoy.But for sweet pancakes in the afternoon, the Happy Hour after ski (7 beers at half price) for the sport on the big ECAN, to enjoy a single malt Whiskey.

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About Us

We are a true specialist award winning ski operator giving holiday makers the opportunity to discover the real Alpine France. Enjoy all you expect of a French Alps holiday - first-class accommodation and stunning scenery but also discover unspoilt, traditional and welcoming mountain villages.